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Search.pollicare.com Redirect (Mac)

Also Known As: search.pollicare.com browser hijacker
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is search.pollicare.com?

Developers present search.pollicare.com as a "high-quality" Internet search engine designed to generate improved search results and, therefore, enhance the browsing experience. Judging on appearance alone, search.pollicare.com barely differs from legitimate search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and so on.

Therefore, many users believe that search.pollicare.com is also legitimate and useful. In fact, developers promote this site using deceptive download/installation set-ups (browser hijackers) that hijack browser options without permission. Furthermore, search.pollicare.com stealthily records user-system information.

search.pollicare.com browser hijacker on a Mac computer

Rogue set-ups hijack Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, stealthily assigning the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage options to search.pollicare.com. These changes may seem insignificant, however, users are unable to revert them.

As well as modifying settings, set-ups stealthily install a number of "helper objects" (third party applications and/or browser add-ons) to reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them.

Therefore, users are unable to return browsers to their previous states and are forced to visit search.pollicare.com when they open a new browser window or search via the URL bar. This significantly diminishes the web browsing experience. Another downside is information tracking.

Helper objects and search.pollicare.com continually record various information (such as IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) that might be personally identifiable. Developers sell this collected information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue.

This threatens users' privacy. Furthermore, helper objects (also known as potentially unwanted programs [PUPs]) often stealthily misuse system resources to perform dubious tasks (such as mining cryptocurrency). Therefore, having PUPs installed often significantly diminishes computer performance. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to eliminate all PUPs immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name search.pollicare.com browser hijacker
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

search.pollicare.com is identical to search.stuckopoe.com, search.pikatika.com, search.arcahol.com, search.tokyofalcon.com, and many other suspicious sites. In fact, all fake search engines are very similar. By falsely claiming to provide "useful features" (for example, improved search results, shortcuts to popular websites, weather forecasts, etc.), they attempt to trick users into believing that these sites are legitimate and useful.

In fact, very few provide any significant value - most are useless. Fake search engines are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. They cause unwanted redirects and record private data. In addition, some fake search engines deliver malvertising ads (banners, coupons, etc.) and generate false results.

These ads and search results might lead to malicious websites. Some run scripts that download and install PUPs/malware. For these reasons, using a fake search engine can lead to high-risk computer infections and serious privacy issues.

How did search.pollicare.com install on my computer?

Developers distribute search.pollicare.com using rogue downloaders and installers. This deceptive marketing method is called "bundling". Developers conceal all details of browser modifications within various sections (usually the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes.

Rushing and skipping this section thus grants set-ups permission to modify browser options. In addition, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

PUPs are proliferated using bundling and via the aforementioned malvertising advertisements. Therefore, be cautious when downloading/installing software and when browsing the Internet in general. Third party downloaders/installers often bundle additional software.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to avoid using these tools - download your software from official/trusted sources using a direct download URL. Furthermore, carefully analyze each download/installation step and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. If opting-out is not possible, cancel the entire process.

Criminals put a great deal of time and effort into designing malicious ads - most appear legitimate, however, they usually lead to suspicious websites (for example, gambling, surveys, adult dating [usually Russian websites], pornography, etc.) Therefore, if you have clicked ads leading to such websites, remove all suspicious applications/browser extensions. Do not click ads. The key to computer safety is caution.

Website promoting search.pollicare.com:

Dubious website used to promote search.pollicare.com

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects to search.pollicare.com using Combo Cleaner:

search.pollicare.com redirect removal:

Remove search.pollicare.com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from applications folder

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove Safari browser hijackers:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

Change your homepage:

Change Safari homepage

In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.

Change your default search engine:

Change Safari default search engine

In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove Google Chrome browser hijackers:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

Change your homepage

Change Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

Change Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

Change your homepage

Change Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Change Mozilla Firefox default search engine - step 1

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

Change Mozilla Firefox default search engine - step 2

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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